Local stars take centre stage as Stage Beyond brings production to Letterkenny
The award-winning inclusive theatre company is currently touring its ambitious adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's celebrated masterpiece across the North West
Donegal audiences are being encouraged to come out and support local performers Niamh Sheridan, Gary Quigley and Carol Glenn when Stage Beyond theatre company brings its acclaimed new production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle to An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, tomorrow on Friday, June 5 at 7pm.
Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the award-winning inclusive theatre company is currently touring its ambitious adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's celebrated masterpiece across the North West. Stage Beyond is based at the Millennium Forum in Derry and The Vestry in Letterkenny.
Niamh and Gary from Letterkenny and Carol from Quigley's Point are among a cast of around 20 performers from across the region and will already be familiar faces to many local theatre-goers following their acclaimed performances in previous Stage Beyond productions, including the company's highly successful staging of The Great Dictator.The fast-paced, hour-long production combines music, movement, ensemble storytelling and visual theatre to create a unique theatrical experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.And if you think Brecht sounds serious, think again.Audiences can expect plenty of imagination, humour, creativity, a touch of rock 'n' roll and even a surprising number of yoga mats as part of the production's inventive visual storytelling.Director Kate Guelke said the company's creativity has been at the heart of the production."We wanted to create a sustainable production using what we already had available to us, and that's how yoga mats ended up becoming one of the stars of the show," she said."I was inspired by Stage Beyond's practice of beginning rehearsals with yoga, and audiences will be amazed by the many inventive ways the company transforms these everyday objects throughout the performance."For the past several months, cast members have worked tirelessly to bring this ambitious production to life, demonstrating the talent, commitment and artistic excellence that Stage Beyond has become renowned for throughout its almost 25-year history.Artistic director Dee Conaghan said local support means a great deal to the performers."Our cast have worked incredibly hard and have embraced every challenge this ambitious production has presented. They have shown extraordinary creativity, commitment and passion throughout the rehearsal process.
"We would love audiences from across Donegal to come along, support Niamh, Gary, Carol and the entire company, and experience what promises to be a truly special evening of inclusive community theatre."
Based on Brecht's celebrated play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle tells the story of Grusha, a young woman who risks everything to protect an abandoned child during a time of war and upheaval. Along the way, audiences are invited to reflect on timeless questions of justice, responsibility, compassion and what it means to care for others.
At its heart, however, the production is a celebration of creativity, inclusion and the power of theatre to bring people together.Whether you're a regular theatre-goer, a supporter of local talent or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this unique production promises an unforgettable experience filled with imagination, laughter, music and heart.
Tickets for the show, which lasts approximately one hour, cost €12 can be booked online or purchased on the night.